EIGHTY-FOUR, Pa. ¿ The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has certified Washington Penn Plastic Co. Inc. in Eighty-Four as a "star" site in its prestigious Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). During a recent ceremony at the facility, Robert Carroll, compliance assistance specialist for OSHA's Pittsburgh Area office, presented the company with a VPP star flag.

Washington Penn Plastic Co. Inc. is the largest compounder of custom polyolefins in North America. The company supplies compounded products for automotive, consumer and industrial applications. This facility, employing 52 people, achieved an injury and illness rate 41 percent below the industry average.

"Washington Penn Plastic has demonstrated an excellent record in safety and health management," said Carroll. "The company's outstanding efforts have included management commitment to safety and health, and employee involvement in safety and health programs."

The star designation is the highest level of recognition that an employer can achieve in the VPP. Designed for worksites with comprehensive, successful safety and health programs, the VPP is open to all industries and to companies with injury rates below their respective industries' national averages.

More than 1,860 worksites nationwide have earned entry into OSHA's VPP. The VPP has proven over the years to be an effective means of reducing injuries, illnesses, fatalities and costs, while fostering a more productive workforce and increasing employee morale.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

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